Today we look at something that is assumed most Christians have a good understanding of. It’s actually a very profound spiritual thing. Let’s look at the exact words spoken by Jesus…
“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16: 24
“Taking up your cross” is something that I believe is misused and misunderstood by many. It’s very interesting that some people view their hardships, burdens and difficulties as their cross. But they’re wrong – it’s not a burden. Burdens are common. By saying “taking up your cross,” Jesus is referring to making a choice to die to yourself; to deny yourself, making a total commitment to Christ and yielding to Him as Lord. Let’s take a look at what Jesus says next…
“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew 16: 25-26
Is anything worth more than your soul… When Jesus used this picture of His followers taking up their crosses, they knew without any doubt precisely what He meant. Crucifixion was a common Roman method of execution, and condemned criminals had to carry the cross through the city streets to the execution site. Losing their lives was definitely a possibility, a very real possibility for Jesus and His followers. But to be a real disciple requires a real commitment. If we try to save our physical lives from death, pain, or discomfort, we may risk losing eternal life.
If we protect ourselves from the pain God calls us to suffer, we begin to die spiritually and emotionally. But it’s really amazing… when we give our life in service to Christ, we truly discover the real purpose of our lives!
“And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12: 1-2
